Al-Qaeda's Operational Evolution: Behavioral and Organizational Perspectives
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Keywords
Al-Qaeda, psychology of terrorism, AQ
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.645
Abstract
Al‐Qaeda is widely regarded by the military, law enforcement, diplomatic, and intelligence communities as being the foremost threat to U.S. national security and safety. The nature of this threat, however, has changed since al‐Qaeda first emerged in the late 1980s. This article describes the emergence of a new form of transnational terrorism and details al‐Qaeda's progression from being an organization to an ideological movement. Drawing on a theory of social movements, we analyze its trajectory and the levels of influence. We also offer a behavioral perspective in explaining how al‐Qaeda has adapted as a learning organization with new leadership, tactics, and patterns of recruitment and training.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Behavioral Sciences and the Law, v. 23, issue 4, p. 467-483
Scholar Commons Citation
Borum, Randy and Gelles, Michael, "Al-Qaeda's Operational Evolution: Behavioral and Organizational Perspectives" (2009). Mental Health Law & Policy Faculty Publications. 540.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/mhlp_facpub/540
